If you’ve ever walked down Ali’i Drive or strolled through Kailua-Kona’s busy streets, you’ve definitely noticed them. A-frame signs are everywhere, outside restaurants, at open houses, in front of boutiques, and pointing the way to weekend markets. There’s a good reason for that. These simple, effective signs are one of the best ways to grab attention from people walking or driving by.
But not all A-frame signs are created equal. And if you’re a local business owner thinking about adding one (or a few) to your marketing toolkit, there are some things worth knowing before you order.
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand what makes A-frame signs so popular here in Kona, how to get the most out of them, and what to look for when you’re ready to get yours made. Let’s dive in.
1. A-Frame Signs Are Built for Foot Traffic
Here’s the thing about Kailua-Kona: we’ve got a ton of foot traffic. Between tourists exploring the village, locals grabbing coffee, and families heading to the beach, there are always people walking around. A-frame signs sit right at eye level, making them perfect for catching the attention of passersby.
Unlike a banner hung high on a building or a window decal that blends in, an A-frame sign stands out on the sidewalk. It’s in the path of your potential customers, literally.
2. They’re One of the Most Affordable Sign Options
Let’s be real: marketing budgets can be tight, especially for small businesses. The good news is that A-frame signs are one of the most cost-effective ways to advertise your business.
You’re not paying for electricity, monthly fees, or complicated installations. Once you’ve got your A-frame, it’s yours to use over and over again. For most local businesses, custom signs in Kona don’t get much more budget-friendly than this.
3. Double-Sided Means Double the Visibility
Most A-frame signs come with panels on both sides. That means whether someone is walking toward your shop or coming from the opposite direction, they’ll see your message.
This is especially valuable if you’re on a busy street where foot traffic flows both ways. You’re essentially getting two signs for the price of one. Pretty smart, right?
4. They’re Made to Handle Kona’s Weather
We know Kona weather can be unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny, the next you’ve got a quick tropical shower rolling through. That’s why the materials matter.
Here at our sign shop in Kona, we use Coroplast (corrugated plastic) for most A-frame inserts. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and holds up well to sun exposure. Your sign won’t warp, fade, or fall apart after a few weeks outside. We’ve had customers use the same A-frame signs for years with minimal wear.
5. Multiple Sizes Give You Options
Not every business needs the same size sign. A cozy coffee shop might want something compact and cute, while a real estate agent needs a larger sign that’s visible from across the street.
Common A-frame sizes include:
- 24″ x 18″ – A popular mid-size option for most businesses
- 24″ x 36″ – The go-to choice for maximum visibility
When you come to us, we’ll help you figure out which size makes the most sense for your location and goals.
6. They’re Easy to Move and Store
One of the best things about A-frame signs is how portable they are. Most frames weigh around 12 pounds or less, so you can easily carry them outside in the morning and bring them back in at closing time.
This is a big deal for a few reasons. First, it keeps your sign safe overnight, no worrying about theft or vandalism. Second, it lets you place your sign strategically depending on where foot traffic is heaviest at different times of day. And third, if you have a special event or promotion, you can move your sign to wherever it’ll get the most attention.
7. Restaurants and Cafes See Real Results
If you run a restaurant, café, or food truck here in Kona, an A-frame sign is practically essential. Think about it: tourists are wandering around looking for somewhere to eat. They don’t know the area. A well-designed A-frame sign with your daily specials, happy hour deals, or just a friendly “Come on in!” message can be the difference between them walking past or walking through your door.
We’ve worked with dozens of local eateries on their A-frame signs, and the feedback is always the same, they work. One restaurant owner told us their lunch traffic noticeably increased just from adding a sidewalk sign with their daily plate lunch special. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.
8. Real Estate Agents Rely on Them
Open houses are a staple of the real estate world, and A-frame signs are how agents get buyers through the door. You’ll see them at intersections, on street corners, and right in front of properties every weekend here in Kona.
A good real estate A-frame sign is bold, easy to read from a distance, and includes the key info: “OPEN HOUSE,” the address, and an arrow pointing the way. We can add your branding, photo, and contact info to make sure people remember who showed them that beautiful ocean-view listing.
9. Retail Stores Can Boost Walk-In Traffic
Running a retail shop? An A-frame sign is like having a friendly employee standing outside waving people in. You can use it to promote sales, highlight new arrivals, or simply let people know you’re open for business.
The key is to keep your message short and enticing. Something like “20% Off All Aloha Shirts Today!” or “New Handmade Jewelry Inside” works way better than cramming a paragraph onto your sign. We’ll help you design something that grabs attention without overwhelming people.
10. Fast Turnaround Makes All the Difference
Here’s something we hear a lot: “I need this sign by Friday.” We get it. Sometimes opportunities come up fast, a last-minute sale, an unexpected event, or you just realized your old sign is looking rough.
At Kona Impact, we complete most A-frame sign jobs in just two business days. That’s because we do everything in-house, right here in Kona. We’re not shipping your order to the mainland and waiting weeks for it to come back. We design it, print it, and assemble it all under one roof.
When you need custom signs in Kona quickly, that local turnaround time is a game-changer.
Ready to Get Your A-Frame Sign?
A-frame signs might seem simple, but they’re one of the most effective tools you can add to your local marketing strategy. They’re affordable, portable, weather-resistant, and proven to drive foot traffic for restaurants, real estate agents, and retail shops throughout Kailua-Kona.
If you’re ready to get started, we’d love to help. Stop by our shop, give us a call, or send us a message online. We’ll work with you to design an A-frame sign that fits your brand, your budget, and your goals.
And hey, if you’ve got questions about sizing, materials, or design ideas, just ask. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and we’re always happy to share what we’ve learned. That’s what being part of this community is all about.
One final note: We do not give guidance on your signs’ compliance with your property owner’s or the county’s regulations. Do your own research to make sure you are following all applicable rules.